Many ranchers, when they hit middle age, reach a point where they can hardly stand to look after cattle another day. I've heard it referred to as being "cowed out." Some friends told me about a ranching couple in Montana who sometimes talked about divorce when they had a fight. They don't anymore, however, because neither is willing to take the cows!
Suddenly being sick of your job or business is a common symptom among midlife men, prompting some to quit their jobs, sell the ranch or otherwise "kick over the traces." Once in their 60s and looking back, these folks sometimes realize they acted too hastily; all they really needed was some time away — a sabbatical. A few weeks might have done the trick, but a few months would have been better.
I don't think it's a mid-life crisis thing, but at times I just get tired of the whole thing. Looking at cows, worrying about cows, dreaming about cows, just everything about them. Cowed out is about right that's for sure. I'll get over it, I always do but I might drive My Darling Wife insane before I do. Moody is what she calls me when she feels generous when I act this way and the names get worse sometimes and I don't blame her.
I like their answer though, find someone you trust to take on some of the responsibility. Shit, I don't think their is anybody in the world to trust that wants to work out here. I always get dip shits that either have no initiative or that just want a paycheck for sitting on their lazy damned asses. Trust, that's a two way street that most guys that work around here drive the wrong way on. That tells you how screwed up they are that they manage to drive the wrong way on a two way street. I guess that's talent in it's own way but it's definitely not the kind I can appreciate.
Part of its more than the cows though, it's the weather too. There is no normal anymore. Dry, dry, dry. That's all it seems to manage anymore. The fret and worry about whether there will be grass for the cows, what to do with the cows, and how to feed them is always on your mind. It's just tiring at times. I think my posts are even starting to show my disgust even. They're the best I can do but I'm disgusted with the whole thing, cows and all.
People always say, "talk about it." Talking has never been my forte. Action is more my thing. Given time my "cowed out" attitude will go away and I will be back to my usual self, that probably isn't an improvement but that's the way it is, like it or not. DEAL!!!
Ah, mon cher, for anyone who is alone, without God and without a master, the weight of days is dreadful. Albert Camus
cheer up days are getting longer, soon the grass will sprout, think about it.
2. I only speak bad of the ones that deserve it. If I speak bad of them maybe they need to sit up and re-evaluate thier life.
3. If you don't like the way I speak of the hired hand you are more than welcome to leave the building. This is my home and if you don't like what I say, you may leave.
4. Thanks for pointing out my mistake. I grouped all the guys that have worked here lately in one bucket and that was wrong. In fact, counting the guy that's here now, of the last 6 guys, 4 of them I would trust. The bad ones always stand out though and they are the ones you remember. The guy now did something that left a bad taste in my mouth to start with so it will be a while, if ever, to dig himself out of the hole. Maybe I can trust him but at this point I don't know.
And I can totally identify with your trust issues. After we've been burnt <more often than not> it is just natural to look for the negatives rather than the positives.
We're business people, though and we have have to look at all sides of what's put in front of us. That's why they call it work -- not play, right?
Don't go feeling bad. You're doing an awesome job with the cows, even if no one ever says so. It's got to be brutal out there some days. I know I look forward to seeing your photos every day. What's more the darkness, the season, the cold all deal an ugly slant on life right now. We've past the darkest day though! Yippee!
One of the blessings you have is access to the most beautiful sunrises in the world. I suppose there's other job benefits, too. Like feeling safe most of the time. Hang in, it'll get better.
My experience has taught me that you reap what you sow. In other words, you have such a negative outlook towards employees that they are just giving you what you expect.
We have 3 employees, that have been here 4, 32 and 33 years respectively. The new comer is due to growth, he'll be here for several years. Studies find that a show of appreciation is more coveted by employees than wage increases.
Remember, you are in a way representing the ranching industry through your blog.
The sun will shine through rain clouds again.
I will also point out that I tend not to mention the good hired hands here. If you've read me long enough you realize that. Maybe that's wrong of me but it's the way I am.
When a guy does an excellent job I do compliment them, but it has to be for something above the ordinary. So far the new guy doesn't quite live up to ordinary let alone exceeding it, so not a lot of compliments are available.